My Tiny Garden by Felicity Hart

Reviewed by Jennie Hogan

It must be frustrating having a small garden, but being a herb lover without a garden

at all can be even worse. My small concrete terrace sits in the shadow of the Midland Mainline

platform of St Pancras station in central London, but every inch of it reveals a dogged

attempt to grow herbs and beautiful plants. The rumble of trains isn’t preventing my

chamomile or calendula from flowering. In fact, being south facing, it is a perfect spot to

cultivate herbs from seed.

Not only is determination and realism required for those of us with little space for plants;

imagination is the key to creating tiny gardens in the most unlikely spaces, both inside and

outside the home.

My Tiny Window Garden attempts to encourage other envious plant lovers not only to have

a go at growing, but also unleash creativity and transform window sills into works of art.

Whilst great things are expected of readers, no prior knowledge is presumed. Instructions

are clear, gardening terms are de-mystified, and stunning pictures on every page offer

tantalising prospects for those keen to have green around and about the house.

Author Felicity Hart suggests genuinely unique ideas for stylish creations, such as an air

plant (tilandsia spp) suspended in an urchin shell; or a themed window box such as a Gin

and Tonic Garnish which includes borage, lemon thyme and strawberries. Such

sophistication and originality may well encourage those with large areas of land to

think small for a change.

Simple details are offered about individual plants such as mint, lavender, dwarf beans, and

even the carnivorous Cape Sundew (Dosera capensis). Pithy quotations, for instance,

Audrey Hepburn’s “to plant is a garden is to believe in tomorrow”, provide additional

encouragement, most especially for those who have never attempted to grow plants,

perhaps because they never thought it possible.

A modest yet innovative feast for the eyes and inspiration for all is offered here, making it a

perfect gift or bedside reading for everyone.

Published by Summerdale Publishing.

ISBN 9781800073470